Famous quote by Langston Hughes

Mobile Desktop
I swear to the Lord, I still cant see, why Democracy means, everybody but me
Like

"I swear to the Lord, I still can't see, why Democracy means, everybody but me"

- Langston Hughes

About this Quote

Langston Hughes was a popular figure during the Harlem Renaissance, a duration of cultural and artistic rebirth for African Americans in the early 20th century. The quote "I swear to the Lord, I still can't see, why Democracy suggests, everyone however me" strongly encapsulates the aggravation and disillusionment felt by numerous African Americans concerning the pledges of democracy and equality in the United States.

Hughes was known for offering voice to the battles of African Americans and highlighting the disparities in between the suitables of American democracy and the lived truths of marginalized neighborhoods. This quote shows a deep-seated hesitation and disenchantment with the American democratic system, which proclaims to provide flexibility and equality to all citizens but frequently falls brief in practice, especially for Black people.

The phrase "I testify the Lord" suggests a deep, earnest contemplation and a plea for divine understanding of the persistent oppressions and inequalities. It conjures up a greater power as a witness to the unsatisfied promises of democracy, highlighting the gravity of these societal failures.

The core of the quote depends on the question, "why Democracy means, everybody however me." Here, Hughes explains the exclusionary practices that have actually historically marginalized Black individuals and other minority groups. Democracy, in its truest sense, is expected to be a system in which all people have an equal voice and chance, however Hughes underscores the hypocrisy and irony of a system that seemingly includes everyone yet methodically excludes him and those like him.

Eventually, Hughes' words challenge us to assess the authenticity of democratic ideals and to seriously analyze how societal systems and structures perpetuate inequality. His poignant observation questions the genuineness of a society that preaches inclusion yet practices exclusion, welcoming readers to acknowledge and attend to the systemic barriers that hinder real equality and justice. Through this lens, the quote is both a reflection of individual alienation and a powerful call to action for social change.

About the Author

Langston Hughes This quote is written / told by Langston Hughes between February 1, 1902 and May 22, 1967. He was a famous Poet from USA. The author also have 13 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage - H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken
"Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage"
H. L. Mencken, Writer
Small: Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people - Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde
"Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people"
Oscar Wilde, Dramatist
Small: The ship of democracy, which has weathered all storms, may sink through the mutiny of those on board - Grover
Grover Cleveland
"The ship of democracy, which has weathered all storms, may sink through the mutiny of those on board"
Grover Cleveland, President
Small: The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority, or rather of that party, not always the ma
"The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority, or rather of that party, not always the majority, that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying elections"
Lord Acton, Historian
Small: Democracy is beautiful in theory in practice it is a fallacy - Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini
"Democracy is beautiful in theory; in practice it is a fallacy"
Benito Mussolini, Politician
Small: Sometimes democracy must be bathed in blood - Augusto Pinochet
Augusto Pinochet
"Sometimes democracy must be bathed in blood"
Augusto Pinochet, Soldier
Small: Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses - H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken
"Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses"
H. L. Mencken, Writer
Small: Everybodys for democracy in principle. Its only in practice that the thing gives rise to stiff objections - Me
"Everybody's for democracy in principle. It's only in practice that the thing gives rise to stiff objections"
Meg Greenfield, Editor
Small: Democracy is only a dream: it should be put in the same category as Arcadia, Santa Claus, and Heaven - H. L. M
H. L. Mencken
"Democracy is only a dream: it should be put in the same category as Arcadia, Santa Claus, and Heaven"
H. L. Mencken, Writer
Small: All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy - Alfred E. Smith
"All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy"
Alfred E. Smith, Politician